Humber Imperial
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1868 in Coventry, England |
| Fate | Phased out by Rootes Group in 1967 |
| Successor | None |
| Headquarters | Coventry , England, United Kingdom |
| Parent | Rootes Group (from 1931) |
The Humber Pullman is a four-door limousine launched by British automaker Humber Limited in 1930, succeeding the Humber 20/65 hp and serving as a long-wheelbase version of the Humber Snipe. In 1939, an enhanced model named the Humber Imperial was introduced; however, after World War II, the Pullman designation was reinstated. Between 1948 and 1954, versions equipped with a central partition were marketed for chauffeur-driven use under the Pullman name, while those without the partition were sold as Humber Imperials, aimed at owner-drivers.
During World War II, the Pullman/Imperial was not available to the general public, with limited production dedicated to staff vehicles. Manufacturing recommenced in 1945 and continued until 1954. The Imperial name was revived in 1964 for a luxury variant based on the Humber Super Snipe, which remained in production until 1967.
Before World War II
The initial 1930 Pullman was powered by a 3498cc straight-six engine delivering 80 hp (60 kW). Its limousine-style body featured rear-hinged doors and bore resemblance to the Humber Snipe 80 but was both longer and wider, boasting a claimed maximum speed of 73 mph (117 km/h). Available body configurations included limousine, landaulette, and Sedanca de Ville. In 1931, Humber became predominantly owned by the Rootes Group. A coupé model was briefly offered in 1935.
In 1936, the Pullman underwent a redesign featuring a two-piece V-shaped windscreen while retaining its wheelbase but increasing overall length to . The engine size expanded to 4086cc, producing up to 100 hp (75 kW), which raised its top speed to 75 mph (121 km/h). By 1940, enhancements included independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes. Additionally, independent coachbuilders such as Thrupp & Maberly crafted custom bodies on supplied chassis.
The year 1939 saw the introduction of the Humber Imperial (also known as the Snipe Imperial), which shared the same engine but utilized a shorter Snipe chassis, enabling a higher top speed of 81 mph (130 km/h). Offered in four- and six-light saloons as well as drophead coupé styles, it gained popularity among British government officials during the 1940s. Civilian sales ended in 1940 as production shifted toward military vehicles like the Humber Light Reconnaissance Car. Nevertheless, "razor-edge" Pullmans continued to be produced throughout the war for governmental and military purposes.
After World War II
Production of the Pullman resumed in 1945 with seven-seat limousine and landaulette body styles. In 1948, it was succeeded by the Humber Pullman Mk II featuring an elongated chassis. From that year onward, models were available either with or without a partition: those fitted with a divider retained the Pullman name, while identical mechanically but lacking partitions were sold as Humber Imperials targeting owner-drivers. The headlamps were redesigned to be integrated into the wings rather than mounted separately.
The Mark III model introduced in 1951 closely resembled its predecessor but was longer and incorporated an all-synchromesh gearbox. Measuring , it matched the length of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud that debuted in 1955. Combined production totaled approximately 2,200 Mk II and Mk III Pullmans alongside 1,526 Imperials.
In 1953, both Mark IV Pullmans and Imperials were upgraded with more powerful overhead valve straight-six engines displacing 4,139cc and rated at either 113 hp (84 kW) or 116 hp (87 kW). Manufacturing concluded in 1954.
Imperial revival
In 1964, Rootes brought back the Humber Imperial designation as a premium version of the Humber Super Snipe, distinguished by a unique lower vinyl roof with a coupé style, automatic transmission as standard, and enhanced interior appointments. The extensive Humber lineup, encompassing the Imperial model, was phased out by Rootes in 1967.